According to The Wall Street Journal, Sen. Katie Britt publicly praised President Trump's tariffs while her office privately requested tariff exclusions for several Alabama manufacturers. An April 2025 email from Britt's legislative director named TNT Fireworks, Novelis, Kronospan and Airbus as firms affected by the "Liberation Day" tariffs. The U.S. Trade Representative said it "does not have an exemption process at this time," and it is unclear whether any relief was granted. Britt later reiterated public support for the tariffs in a post on X, underscoring a tension between public messaging and private advocacy.
Sen. Katie Britt Praised Trump's Tariffs — Privately Sought Exemptions for Alabama Manufacturers
MAGA Senator Secretly Begged Trump for a Break From Signature Policy
The Wall Street Journal reported that Alabama Senator Katie Britt publicly lauded President Donald Trump's tariff policy while her office privately asked the U.S. Trade Representative for targeted relief on behalf of several Alabama manufacturers.
Details Of The Request
In an April 2025 email sent shortly after the announcement of the so‑called "Liberation Day" tariffs, Stephen Newton, legislative director for Senator Britt, requested tariff "exclusions" for "specific Alabama manufacturers". The correspondence named several firms and the problems they said the tariffs would cause:
- TNT Fireworks: Alleged inability to source fireworks of comparable "quality and safety" outside China.
- Novelis: Aluminum producer that depends on imports from Canada, South Korea and Brazil and said construction on a new Alabama plant could be stalled.
- Kronospan: Wood‑panel maker that reportedly needs "highly specialized equipment" not available domestically.
- Airbus: The aircraft manufacturer said tariffs could impair its ability to compete on production for a third final assembly line in Mobile, Alabama.
The Wall Street Journal reported the U.S. Trade Representative told the paper that the agency "does not have an exemption process at this time," and it remains unclear whether any of the named companies received relief.
Public Comments Versus Private Requests
Months later, following a Supreme Court decision that struck down the tariffs, Senator Britt posted on X (formerly Twitter) praising the policy:
"What the media won't tell you is that President Trump's tariffs work, and that's why even the Biden Administration left them in place." — Katie Britt, X post
The contrast between Britt's public endorsement of the tariff policy and the private lobbying for targeted exemptions highlights a common tension for lawmakers: balancing partisan or national policy stances with constituent and local economic concerns.
Why This Matters
Whether or not exemptions were granted, the exchange illustrates how elected officials may privately seek carve-outs for local employers even while publicly supporting broad policy measures. The episode raises broader questions about transparency and the tradeoffs elected leaders navigate when national policy affects local industries.
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